Job profile summary

The incumbent will work to ensure implementation of the WHO country office’s communication

strategies in support of its programmes and objectives, in the context of the WHO strategic direction

at country level. This will serve to promote and increase knowledge about the work and achievements

of the WHO country office at country level and the visibility of WHO.

Key duties and responsibilities

The incumbent will perform all or part of the following, and other related responsibilities as required

by the needs of the office.

·       In coordination with the regional and/or headquarters communication focal points, support the implementation of communication strategies and plans to support awareness of the programmes and achievements of WHO at country level. Support the implementation of the WHO corporate (global and regional) communication strategy.

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  Identify marketable subjects/success stories and develop communications and advocacy products including for partnerships’ initiatives.

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  Support the optimal outreach and dissemination to target audiences in suitable media channels and platforms, including social media.

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  Organize media events, campaigns, and media technical briefings, coordinating between media and WHO experts, as required.

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  Build and maintain productive networks and contacts with the press/media and key, national communication counterparts to ensure positive and optimal coverage of WHO’s work.

•  Support the development/updating of content and stakeholder linkages for the WHO country office website and (ii) the sensitive design and delivery of effective social-media engagements.
• Support regular media monitoring, tracking audience/target group perceptions of the organization. Propose risk-mitigation communications.
• Collaborate with national stakeholders, development and other strategic partners and United Nations information officers, to encourage the production and dissemination of information on national health strategies. Advocate for organizational priorities and represent WHO in the United Nations Communication Group.
• Support specialized emergency or multi hazard risk communications, social mobilization, and advocacy plans, during public health crises, emergencies, and outbreaks.
• Support country office leadership on strategic, external, and internal communications.
• Coordinate and deliver communication and media-sensitization-related training for WHO country office staff.

Recruitment profile

Competencies

Core Competencies

*mandatory

*1) Teamwork

*2) Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences

*3) Communication

4)  Knowing and Managing Yourself

5)  Producing Results

Managerial Competencies

*4) Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Functional knowledge and skills

Essential

·       Understanding of public health and international development issues

·       The development and implementation of communication/media products and approaches

·       Excellent oral and written communication

·       Ability to represent and promote the WHO brand in virtual communities and networks

·       Ability to develop messaging and positioning for an international organization

·       Ability to elicit and communicate success stories.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of WHO /United Nations agencies programmes and practices 
•  Understanding of WHO mandate and goals in the emergency incident management context.

Educational qualifications

Essential A university degree (bachelor’s) in communications, journalism, political or international relations or health communications from an accredited/recognized institute

Desirable Formal qualification in public health. Courses in communication techniques and/or

graphic design, visual language in the use of social media. Training in risk communication.

Work experience

Minimum number of years’ experience required: 2 years

Essential

A minimum of two years of work experience relevant to the position (overseeing and delivering

communications services and products, including a minimum of two years in communications strategy

development).

Desirable

Some of the above-listed experience to have been obtained in an international context.

Language requirements

English 3 – Expert Overall Essential